El Castano

El Castano is a relatively recent addition to Osborne Road's lively bar and restaurant scene. The Spanish theme starts as you walk through the door, well demonstrated by its bright entrance, new decor of terracotta tiles, prints of bullfights and background music, making it feel like a little piece of Spain in the heart of Jesmond.

The early evening happy hour, or Hora Loca as the Spanish would have you call it, includes a menu of excellent value, with three tapas for £6.95, Mon - Fri, 5pm - 7pm (£1 supplement for seafood dishes), and also at lunch on Saturday. Special menus can be arranged by request for parties of 10 or more. They have also recently opened a cocktail bar.

Tapas have become very popular in the UK over the last decade as people take to the habit of sharing their food with friends, and being able to choose from a multitude of different dishes leads to a more intimate way of dining. El Castano offers over forty varieties prepared with produce sourced both locally and from Spain. They include vegetarian options as well as meat, fish, king prawns, chicken, sausage, mussels, squid and beef preparations, making sure there is something to please everyone. Most dishes are priced between £3 and £5 and when placing your order, it helps to keep in mind that portions are generous.

Their vegetarian starters of potatoes, tomatoes, spring onions, garlic and olive oil are light, providing a perfect contrast to the other spicier dishes. If you want a thoroughly authentic dish, try the homemade meatballs - albondigas - served in tomato sauce, or something spicier is on the cards, the Spanish sausage pan fried with garlic and red wine should hit the mark. Other tempting options include their mixed meat and chorizo paella and lean pork loin, thinly sliced and cooked in seasoned stock with fresh vegetables, red peppers and mushrooms.

Charcuteria has a pleasantly Latin sound to it which is perhaps why so many are drawn to the dishes in this section, with Serrano ham, chorizo and salphichon leading the way, followed by manchego cheese in olive oil with chilli, or a selection of dry cured meat and cheeses.

Every Sunday El Castano offers a buffet between 12.30pm and 4.30pm, for £7 per adult, children eating free, with a selection of authentic Spanish dishes, and a carvery choice. To brighten up the middle of the week, on the first Wednesday of every month there is live music with their resident singer and live Flamenco band.

The terraces provide just the right space for summer events, especially BBQs and Tango nights.

To accompany your meal, there is a good choice from the fine range of Spanish beers and wines or their homemade speciality, sangria. The Mediterranean feel is enhanced by the restaurant's laidback atmosphere and the staff ensure you feel you have all the time in the world. So if you are planning a relaxed meal with the family or a night out with friends, El Castano is the perfect place to be for a celebration, family dinner or night out with friends.

For more details, particularly on offers and menu changes, click on their Website.